ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSEMENT DEFINED
Ecclesiastical endorsement is the Church’s affirmation that a person is seeking or serving in chaplaincy and has presented evidence of their calling and training for that ministry. It signifies the applicant:
(1) is an experienced minister in regular standing of the Seventh-day Adventist Church;
(2) has completed appropriate professional training for the specialized ministry;
(3) is placed or is seeking placement in an approved chaplaincy ministry setting;
(4) will maintain an accountable relationship with the church.
WHY IS ENDORSEMENT NECESSARY?
Ecclesiastical endorsement is:
(1) required by most Seventh-day Adventist institutions that employ chaplains;
(2) required by virtually all government or public agencies that hire chaplains;
(3) required by most private organizations that hire chaplains;
(4) often required by institutional accrediting bodies, and for membership or certification in most professional associations;
(5) needed for ACM to effectively represent chaplains in dealing with placement, church policy issues and other matters; and
(6) a demonstration of the chaplain’s commitment to professional competence and accountability to the mission of the church.
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